According to Toronto police, traffic accidents caused by distracted drivers are on the rise. The number of drivers described as “inattentive” in city collision data grew by 50 per cent between 2000 and 2012. About 20 per cent of those collisions resulted in some form of injury. Approximately 200 injures were considered major, and 12 deaths were reported as well.
The term “inattentive” and “distracted” have different meanings in light of Ontario law. The term “inattentive” includes using mobile devices, eating food and putting on makeup while driving, according to a Toronto constable who says he has even seen people shaving while driving. Distracted driving refers to a person using a hand-held device or looking at a visible screen while behind the wheel. The practice has been banned since 2010. Since that time, more than 80,000 Toronto drivers have been charged with distracted driving.
The report also suggests that the overall number of accidents related to impaired driving is on the decline, falling by as much as 37 percent between 2001 and 2012. A McMaster University geography professor attributes the decline to successful behaviour-modification campaigns.
Motor vehicle accidents can result from distracted driving, inattentive driving or a number of other causes. When a person is injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is sometimes possible for the victim to seek compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. When an accident results in the death of a loved one, the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim, depending on the circumstances. A lawyer could be helpful in filing the claim and representing the victim or the victim’s family during proceedings.
Source: Global Toronto, “Toronto car crashes: More distracted drivers, fewer drunk ones“, Patrick Cain, August 01, 2014
